70-year-old man robbed; Peoria pair charged

Two Peoria men face several years in prison for allegedly attempting to rob a 70-year-old man Tuesday.

Two Peoria men face several years in prison for allegedly attempting to rob a 70-year-old man Tuesday.

Anthony L. Harris, 20, and Anton L. Jones, 18, both appeared in Peoria County Circuit Court on Wednesday, each on a charge of attempted aggravated robbery, a felony that could send them to prison for up to 14 years if convicted.

Normally, the charge has a seven-year cap, but because of the victim's age, the sentence is enhanced.

Assistant State's Attorney Steve Pattelli said the victim was near one of his rental properties just south of Downtown when he was approached by three men. One of them, allegedly Harris, of 3432 W. Oakcrest Drive, Apt. 3D, pointed what the victim thought was a handgun at him and demanded money, the prosecutor said.

The other two then blocked the victim's away so he couldn't escape; however, the man fought back and managed to scare off his would-be assailants.

The trio, Pattelli said, were arrested at a nearby house on Third Street. The victim could only identify two, and the third man was released. Harris and Jones, of 911 W. Warren St., both later admitted to police they were there in the alley and that the gun used was an air pistol and not a real firearm.

Both were ordered held on $100,000 and set for a Nov. 26 preliminary hearing.